Cheng Man-ch'ing and T'ai Chi: Echoes in the Hall of Happiness

Cheng Man-ch'ing (1902–1975)--also romanized as Zheng Manqing-- certainly played a lead role in popularizing tai chi ch'uan throughout the world and greatly influencing the way the art is perceived and practiced. This fact alone should drive all those interested in tai chi to study the man's history and thought.

There is a huge body of writings and video representations of Cheng's tai chi theory and practice. Unfortunately, much of the available content actually obscures Cheng's message. The...